A federal court in Massachusetts has temporarily blocked the planned termination of the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program for Somali immigrants living in the United States, issuing an injunction that prevents the government from ending the protections while a full review of the case is pending.
The decision was made by Federal Judge Allison D. Burroughs, who emphasized the serious consequences that could arise if Somali TPS holders were forced to return to Somalia prematurely. She noted that over 1,000 Somali nationals could face risks such as detention, deportation, exposure to violence, and family separation.
The injunction came after lawyers representing TPS beneficiaries filed an emergency motion asking the court to halt the termination plan announced under former President Donald Trump’s administration. Until the case is fully resolved, Somali TPS holders and applicants maintain their legal rights, including permission to work and protection from deportation.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security criticized the court’s decision, arguing that the security situation in Somalia has improved and that TPS is intended as a temporary measure rather than a long-term status.
The legal proceedings continue, and a final ruling on the future of TPS for Somalis in the U.S. is expected in the coming months.